Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks across multiple regions are forcing farmers to cull significant portions of their herds and flocks.
The situation in Myanmar has deteriorated since late March, with FMD confirmed in cattle and swine across several townships in the Mandalay region. Local authorities have implemented movement restrictions and culling programs, though the virus is spreading faster than containment efforts can manage. Farmers in affected areas report losses ranging from 20 to 60 percent of their animals, depending on herd size and exposure.
Paraguay is also dealing with an active outbreak in cattle in the eastern departments, which creates complications for US beef and pork exporters given Paraguay's role as a significant regional supplier. The outbreak doesn't affect US market access currently, but it's tightening global beef supplies and will likely keep prices elevated for several months.
What this means for your operation: if you're managing input costs or planning herd expansion, international pressure on livestock availability will persist. More pressing is confirming that your sourcing and health protocols aren't exposed if you have contacts or suppliers in Myanmar or Paraguay. Although FMD isn't present in the US, the economic effects—tighter global meat supplies, higher feed ingredient costs from reduced production elsewhere—spread faster than the disease itself. Monitor your feed supplier's sourcing closely, particularly any ingredients sourced from Southeast Asia or South America. Review your herd health records and ensure your veterinarian has current information on your operation.